New Thai Government Under Anutin Sworn In

By Kenny Teng

BANGKOK, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Thailand’s new government under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was sworn in on Wednesday.

Anutin, 59, led his 36-member Cabinet in taking the oath of allegiance before King Maha Vajiralongkorn at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall in Dusit Palace.

After the swearing-in ceremony, Anutin chaired a special Cabinet meeting at Government House. The agenda included approval of the draft policy statement to be presented to Parliament, as well as the allocation of portfolios to the deputy prime ministers and ministers attached to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Anutin is scheduled to deliver his government’s policy statement in Parliament next week, marking the official start of his administration.

The leader of the Bhumjaithai Party has pledged to dissolve the lower house of parliament within four months under a deal with the opposition People’s Party, which backed his bid for premiership without joining his coalition.

On Sept 5, Anutin was elected as Thailand’s 32nd Prime Minister after securing a parliamentary majority.

His six deputy prime ministers are Sophon Zaram; Borwornsak Uwanno; Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, who is concurrently Transport Minister; Ekniti Nitithanprapas, who also serves as Finance Minister; Thammanat Prompao, who is also Agriculture Minister; and Suchart Chomklin, who concurrently serves as Natural Resources and Environment Minister. Anutin has also taken on the Interior Ministry portfolio.

Last Friday, King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed the new Cabinet under Anutin’s leadership.

-- BERNAMA